Forwarding Address & Security Deposits in Arizona

Learn how forwarding addresses affect security deposit deadlines in Arizona and what your landlord must do regardless.

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Forwarding Address Rules in Arizona

Arizona does not require you to provide a forwarding address as a precondition for the deposit return deadline under A.R.S. §33-1321. The 14-day clock starts at move-out regardless. However, providing a forwarding address in writing protects you from any claim that your landlord couldn't return the deposit because they had no address.

Best Practice

Even though not strictly required in Arizona, always provide your forwarding address in writing. It eliminates any excuse your landlord might raise for not returning the deposit.

How to Provide Your Forwarding Address in Arizona

  1. 1

    Use written communication

    Email is ideal. It provides a timestamp and is easy to forward as evidence. Certified mail provides proof of delivery. Verbal notice is generally insufficient.

  2. 2

    Include all required information

    State your full new address, including apartment number if applicable. Reference the rental property address and your intended move-out date.

  3. 3

    Keep a copy

    Save a copy of all forwarding address notices. If your landlord later claims they never received it, your email or certified mail receipt is your proof.

  4. 4

    Track the 14-day deadline

    The 14-day clock starts at move-out under A.R.S. §33-1321. Your forwarding address is separate from this calculation.

Legal Reference

Wear & Tear Protected
Primary StatuteA.R.S. §33-1321
Penalty StatuteA.R.S. §33-1321(E)
Small Claims Limit$5,000
Statute of Limitations6 years

Questions

Common questions answered.

Your Arizona landlord has 14 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by A.R.S. §33-1321.

If your landlord misses the 14-day deadline, you may be entitled to up to 3× the amount wrongfully withheld under A.R.S. §33-1321(E). This penalty applies automatically. You don't need to prove intent.

No. Arizona law under A.R.S. §33-1321 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

Arizona does not require you to provide a forwarding address as a precondition for the deposit return deadline under A.R.S. §33-1321. The 14-day clock starts at move-out regardless.

Provide your forwarding address in writing, ideally via email (which creates a timestamped record) or certified mail (which proves delivery). Even if not strictly required in Arizona, a written record protects you if your landlord claims they couldn't return the deposit because they didn't know where to send it.

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